drone light show. Combined with the Lights Around London driving tour, London is known as“ Christmas Capital of Kentucky.” This is only one of numerous events sponsored by the London Tourism Commission.
London is also the home of the World Chicken Festival, which brings in tourists for the four-day event. Kim Collier, director of the London-Laurel County Tourist Commission, said,“ The only festival we have in Laurel Count brings crowds pouring into London for a chance to experience the World Chicken Festival. This celebration lasts 4 days and is designed with families in mind which means we get families with children enjoying all we have to offer like carnivsl rides, nearly 200 vendors, two stages with ree entertainment and the World’ s Largest Skillet that fries up delicious chicken dinners.”
The annual Re-enactment of the Battle of Camp Wildcat and the Battle of London are another attraction for history lovers, individuals and school groups that traces the Civil War battles on the local front. The Camp Wildcat battle took place in northern Laurel County on Oct. 21, 1865 and was the first Union victory in Kentucky. The Battle of London took place on Aug. 17, 1862. Some of the soldiers killed in that battle were buried in Breastworks Cemetery off 13th Street in London, which was briefly known as London National Cemetery. The event hosts individuals donned in clothing of that time period, while soldiers battle it out on horseback with cannons firing amidst the battle.
“ People who care about history, school groups and locals come every year. this plays into the actual history with local stories,” Collier added.
The ASA 3-D Archery Tournament is the largest tourist drawing for the area, with hotels, restaurants and stores filled with guests for the 3-day event at the Wilderness Road Event Center, sponsored by the London- Laurel County Tourist Commission.
“ Every year folks gather at the ASA 3-D Archery Tournament, bringing in crowds that fill hotels, restaurants, gas stations and shops. Not only does that kind of vacation create a significant economic impact fort our community, it also puts the town on maps that people actually look at. The London-Laurel Tourist Commission and City of London Tourism Commission work together to host this very important event. We enjoy having the ASA here and working with them.”
The business community also made great strides in 2025. The year was filled with ribbon-cuttings and open house for new businesses, ranging from healthcare, restaurants, boutiques, and other services to enhance the lives of residents and in neighboring counties. Zaxby’ s, 7 Brew, Firehouse Subs, and Popeye’ s are among the newest eateries, while another hotel and a new fitness center will add to the existing amenities
Paula Thompson with the London- Laurel Economic Development Authority, touted the numerous gains for the community over the past year as well as announcing more new attractions in 2026.
“ Last year brought meaningful progress, exciting growth and a powerful reminder of how strong and resilient our community truly is. From new places to eat and improved roads to housing growth and rebuilding after a devastating tornado, London and Laurel County continued to move forward,” she said.
That included new eateries that Thompson said also provided jobs, support local providers and help strengthen the local economy.
Roads and infrastructure were also dominant during 2025, especially the KY 192 Bypass project that eases traffic congestion and safety, Thompson added. Another project widened part of Fifth Street and the repaving of Whitley Street also provided new and wider sidewalks. Infrastructure for the new McDaniel Industrial Park was completed, with excavation underway as weather allows. Construction projects not only included rebuilding of homes destroyed or damaged during the May tornado, but also providing new housing developments.
“ New homes and residential projects are helping meet the needs of a growing population and offering more options for families,” Thompson said.“ These developments reflect confidence in the future of London and Laurel County and support efforts to attract and retain a strong workforce. More people are choosing to call Laurel County home and that growth brings new energy to the community. The cooperation between residents, local leaders, businesses and partner organizations highlights the strength and determination of our community.”
The business community increased significantly and looks for more expansion in 2026. Deanna Herrmann, CEO of the London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce, touted the business community for its involvement in the community such as the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Chamber Foundation and literacy initiatives and workforce development.
“ From expanding early literacy and workforce readiness to strengthening member engagement and responding to community needs, the Chamber and its Foundation continued to serve as a driving force for progress in Laurel County,” Herrmann said.“ The Foundation’ s signature program, Dolly Parton’ s Imagination Library mailed free books to 2,366 children with family-serving organizations and ongoing promotion. The program works toward ensuring every child ages 0-5 has access to books and reaches grade-level reading by third grade- a critical benchmark for lifelong success.”
To further enhance early childhood learning, the Chamber sponsored a golf tournament and a Honey Bun Day Breakfast that raised money for book purchases. The Chamber also hosted the National Civics Bee that involved middle school students from 21 counties and ended with a live competition sponsored by Laurel County Farm Bureau. Workforce readiness is another focus of the Chamber through the Work Ethic Seal Program. Last year, 89 students from the county’ s two high schools earned that distinction with Community Trust
Page 6— The Sentinel-Echo • Community Guide 2026